Research on shafting alignment considering ship hull deformations

Ship hull deformation is one of the most significant influences on propulsion shafting alignment. Based on the calculation fundamentals of ship hull deformations, a new method of shafting alignment considering ship hull deformations is proposed in this paper. Ship loadings, wave loads and environment temperature differences in some extreme conditions, as well as elastic constraints, are simulated and applied to the finite element model of 76,000 DWT product oil tanker, so that ship hull deformations can be solved. Then, the deformations of the double bottom are converted to bearing offsets, which behave as boundary constraints for shafting alignment calculations. Taking the condition of light ship in calm water as a reference, the impact of hull deformations on shafting alignment is analyzed and optimized shafting alignment considering ship hull deformations is realized. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.